NBK becomes the first bank in GCC and Mideast to launch 'Tap-to-Add with PIN'

14/10/2025 05:39 AST

National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) announced it will be the first bank in the GCC and Middle East to launch the new Tap-to-Add Card with PIN feature on Apple Pay, enabling customers to instantly add their NBK Mastercard cards to Apple Wallet by simply tapping their physical card on their iPhone and entering their PIN. The feature is now available with iOS 26.

This launch marks another milestone in NBK's digital transformation journey and reflects the Bank's commitment to offering customers faster, simpler, and more secure digital banking experiences. By eliminating the need for manual data entry, Tap-to-Add Card with PIN makes onboarding seamless and reinforces NBK's strategy of delivering innovative, customer-first solutions.

Commenting on the launch, Mohammed Al-Othman, Chief Executive Officer, Consumer and Digital Banking Group at National Bank of Kuwait, said: "This achievement marks a significant step forward in our digital transformation journey with Apple introducing this digital advancement first through NBK in the GCC and the Middle East. This step reinforces our position as a regional pioneer in delivering secure and streamlined digital banking experiences".

Echoing this vision, Erdem Cakar, Country Manager, Qatar & Kuwait at Mastercard, said: "This collaboration with NBK pushes digital finance boundaries, demonstrating our commitment to intelligent, seamless payment experiences. With Apple's technology, Mastercard's network, and NBK's forward-looking approach, we enhance seamless and secure payments for Kuwaitis."

Aligned with its strategic digital agenda, NBK invests in next-generation technologies to strengthen its leadership in payments, security, and customer experience. This launch complements its vision to accelerate the shift toward a cashless society, foster financial inclusion, and position Kuwait as a regional innovation hub. By embedding advanced digital capabilities in everyday banking, NBK aims to create long-term value for customers, shareholders, and the economy.

Weyay Bank is First digital bank in Middle East to launch "Tap-to-Add with PIN" for adding bank cards to Apple Pay Wallet.

In a related development, Weyay Bank announces the launch of its "Tap-to-Add with PIN" feature with "Apple Pay", making it the first digital bank in the Middle East to offer this service. This new feature allows customers to instantly add their Weyay bank card to their Apple Wallet without the need for manual card data entry or multiple steps. By simply holding a card near the back of an iPhone and entering the PIN, the card is ready for use with "Apple Pay" in just seconds. This feature is available for all Weyay cards, including the debit card, prepaid cards, and the "Jeel" card for users aged 13 and above who are eligible to use "Apple Pay". This initiative is part of Weyay Bank's commitment to providing a seamless payment experience for its customers by enabling quick card activation. It enhances the security and convenience of electronic payments, which is a key part of Weyay's vision to offer smart banking solutions that fit the lifestyle of its customers, especially the youth.

Weyay Bank is proud to be the first digital bank in the region to introduce "Tap-to-Add with PIN" for "Apple Pay". This innovative feature, reflecting the bank's commitment to simplifying banking, enables customers to add their cards to "Apple Pay" with just a single tap. It offers a seamless and secure experience, placing convenience at the forefront of the customer's financial journey. This launch reinforces Weyay Bank's position as a leader in digital banking innovation and highlights its dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of users.

Alongside the launch of this new feature, Weyay Bank continues to advance its digital services with the recent introduction of automatic top-up for prepaid cards. By enabling the auto-transfer option through the Weyay app, customers no longer need to take multiple steps when their card balance runs low. This ensures continuous access to funds, allowing users to make payments and transactions smoothly and without interruption-ultimately enhancing their overall digital experience.

Weyay Bank continues to provide innovative digital banking solutions specifically designed to meet the aspirations of the new generation in Kuwait. These efforts enrich the banking experience for its customers and reinforce its position at the forefront of digital transformation in the Kuwaiti banking sector.

Kuwait Times